How The 10 Worst Small Cot Beds-Related FAILS Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

Buying Small Cot Beds

When you are looking for a compact cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style, and quite light This model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to store other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.

Our selection of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. A majority of the designs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

When choosing a cot, it's important to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and it's simple to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It's more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to buy a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best value cot, is a great option for a compact nursery. It's stuffed with additional features like teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but a second one will be required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. They are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.

These mattresses are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals so that they won't disturb your baby's delicate skin.

Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling system, which parents have found to be helpful in cases of reflux and colic.

When choosing a small cot bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from the expense of buying another bed when your child is ready for it.

Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also small and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents home.

This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than the other models in our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you choose is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choke risk. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over during their sleep, so it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

Do not put a cot next to an open radiator or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too hot or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, while older children may pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

For Scandi style and a premium finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It takes some time to put together. It's not cheap but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.

cots and tots  to keep an eye out for is the ability to remove sections of the cot bars. This is a great way to give your child a sense of independence when they begin to playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.

The slatted style of many cots is a great option for a small space in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort, and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.

A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an attractive design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.

For each crib, you'll find a variety of accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.